Resin Composition Suppressing Heat-Induced Discoloration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resin compositions used in household and electronic appliances face discoloration issues due to heat history during molding, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A resin composition comprising cellulose ester, styrene-based resin, and titanium dioxide, with specific mass ratios and additives, is developed to suppress discoloration caused by heat history during molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a resin composition containing cellulose ester and styrene-based resin is used, then mechanical strength and processability are improved, but discoloration occurs due to heat history during molding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddiscoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of heat history (which causes discoloration) into a beneficial outcome by adding titanium dioxide as a masking agent. The titanium dioxide absorbs and scatters the discoloration caused by heat, transforming the visual defect into an acceptable appearance while maintaining the mechanical properties of the cellulose ester-styrene resin composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies color masking by incorporating titanium dioxide pigment into the resin composition. This pigment changes the optical properties of the molded article by scattering light and masking the yellowish discoloration that occurs during heat processing, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance without affecting the underlying mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Manufacturing precision

If titanium dioxide is added to mask discoloration, then appearance quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the titanium dioxide content within a specific range (0.1-10 parts by mass per 100 parts of resin) to achieve effective discoloration masking while avoiding excessive complexity in formulation. This parameter optimization allows standard manufacturing processes to be used without requiring complex multi-step procedures or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses titanium dioxide, a readily available and cost-effective pigment, rather than complex or expensive alternative solutions. This approach simplifies manufacturing by using a well-established, easily handled material that can be incorporated into the resin composition through conventional mixing and molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively masks discoloration in molded articles by using titanium dioxide, maintaining mechanical strength and flowability while preventing heat-induced color changes.

Implementation Method 1

The composition effectively masks discoloration in molded articles by using titanium dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption and scattering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9018283B2Resin composition
Publication Date: 2015.04.28 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A resin composition containing: (A) a cellulose ester, (B) a styrene-based resin, and (C) a titanium dioxide, and not containing a compatibilizer between the component (A) and the component (B), in which the content of the component (A) is within a range of 95 to 50% by mass, the content of the component (B) is within a range of 5 to 50% by mass, and the content of the component (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of the sum of the amount of component (A) and the amount of component (B) is within a range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass.